Leinster are the sole Irish representation left in this year’s Champions Cup.
That comes with its own pressure.
But Leo Cullen’s side will be completely focussed on the task at hand.
They have been preparing all week for one of their toughest challenges which they have faced in many years.
Going into the cauldron that is the south of France to face the mighty and formidable Clermont Auvergne.
Rugby doesn’t get much tougher than that.
Leinster can take heart from three things.
- They have won away to French opposition before.
- They have been playing some of their best rugby of the last number of years this season.
- Saturday’s game at the Aviva Stadium.
Saracens put on the perfect demonstration on how to win in the most intimidating of atmospheres.
Munster fans roared on their team in the opening 40 minutes on Saturday.
But Saracens never faltered.
They kept Munster out and the confidence drained from the team and the supporters.
Then they turned the screw.
This is what Leinster will need to do against Clermont.
Ronan O’Gara, speaking on the latest episode of The Hard Yards, spoke about how well Clermont start games and that the key to victory is to withstanding their early onslaughts (45:10 onwards below).
“Leinster’s greatest challenge will be about stopping Clermont’s momentum. You look at how they start games and the players they have….”
Clermont’s attacking play is formidable.
They have huge players, many of whom have the abilities of pace, power and offloading.
Leinster’s defence will be key and O’Gara believes that if Leo Cullen’s side can keep their penalty count down, they will have a great chance of emerging with a victory.
“But for me it will come down to discipline and who’s going to give away cheap penalties and I think Clermont have the capacity to implode more than Leinster do.”
Two attacking sides.
European Cup semi-final.
It’s going to be a cracker.
